Extraordinary excitement is imminent! With only a little over a week to go, the swashbucklers are preparing for the onslaught of energy you’ll bring to our extravaganza of pumpkin play, pumpkin performance, and plenty of pumpkin pleasure!

The 15th Annual Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta returns on Oct. 7 through 9, with pre-festival giant pumpkin weigh-offs this weekend, Oct. 1-2!

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is proud to announce the 2022 Pumpkinfest Parade Grand Marshal: LincolnHealth. Cindy Wade, RN, BSN, MHA, president of LincolnHealth said, “LincolnHealth is honored to have been selected as the grand marshal of the Pumpkinfest parade, and we are equally excited about the return of this flagship event.”

Ms. Wade continued to compliment the community by insisting the success is shared during the height of COVID-19. “We often say that what makes LincolnHealth special is that we are a team of neighbors and friends caring for our neighbors and friends. We recognize we could not have pushed through the last few years of COVID-19 without the community.”

After a two-year hiatus, the wacky Regatta is returning on Sunday, Oct. 9, with many of the cast of costumed contestants you’ve grown to love. By special request, there will be a second race between the staff and celebrities of MaineLife and Maine Cabin Masters, whose friendly off-screen rivalry provides continuous entertainment.

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is pleased to announce a new reign in the Swashbucklers’ kingdom: a new Pumpkinfest Queen has risen to her throne. Queen PFII, known as Queen Sarah, will take her seat during Pumpkinfest, stating in her initial address to the people of the land, “My fervent wish is to bring merriment and laughter to all. I want celebrate the joy of our harvest with our growers, and embrace the goodness that exists in a small community.” Please pay homage to the Queen during your visit to Pumpkinfest!

The format of the festival remains as in years past, including the Giant Pumpkin deployment on Thursday, Oct. 6; artists at work, with their pumpkin creature creations, will line Main Street on Friday, Oct. 7; pumpkin art, entertainment, and parade on Saturday, Oct. 8; and the Regatta finale on Sunday, Oct. 9.

The Pumpkinfest, which attracts over 15,000 visitors each year, has been featured nationally, as as unique and standout event. Pumpkinfest incorporates Maine-grown agriculture, art, entertainment, and water activities, all with a pumpkin theme.

For further information, including a detailed calendar of events, maps, parking and shuttles, and other inquiries, please refer to: damariscottapumpkinfest.com